Members of the International Research Group (GDRI - Groupement de recherche international) set up by French and South Caucasian researchers signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to analyze problematic issues related to earth sciences. The signing ceremony was held at the Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) with the participation of TSU Rector, Academician Vladimer Papava; Education Minister Tamar Sanikidze; French Minister of Higher Education and Research Geneviève Fioraso; President of the Georgian Academy of Sciences Giorgi Kvesitadze; President of the Armenian Academy of Sciences Radik Martirosyan, as well as invited guests.
TSU Rector Vladimer Papava said: “Cooperation of South Caucasian countries – Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan has a huge importance in geosciences. The Caucasus is one region and we should study ongoing geological problems by joint efforts. The memorandum, which was signed today, is a new stage of cooperation, which, along with three South Caucasian countries, will also involve Ukrainians. And what is most important, this is done with the participation of the French side that ensures that the research will be conducted jointly.”
“Involvement in international research and internationalization of this research is a very important undertaking. This will help us achieve European standards in research. We welcome the readiness of the parties to get involved in joint research. The Georgian side is a real supporter of this project. I congratulate TSU and all the parties involved in this important project and wish them success in this renewed project,” Georgian Education Minister Tamar Sanikidze said.
“We have gathered here to renew the agreement envisaging scientific and university cooperation between the three South Caucasian countries and France. The agreement is related to research and cooperation in the field of geosciences involving tectonic and seismic research. This is very important for this region. At the same time, about 400 Georgian students are undergoing their studies in France. We want to expand student mobility and give Georgian students more opportunities,” French Minister of Higher Education and Research Geneviève Fioraso said.
The International Research Group (GDRI - Groupement de recherche international) – South Caucasus Geosciences was set up in 2010. The first project was implemented in 2010-2014 laying the foundation for close scientific-research relationship between the project partners.
The project partners are: University of Nice Sophia Antipolis (France); University of Lille (France); Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (Georgia); Baku State University (Azerbaijan); Armenian Institute of Geological Sciences (Armenia); Armenian Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth (Armenia), etc.
The renewed project of the International Research Group will promote the cooperation between French, Georgian, Armenian, Azerbaijani and Ukrainian researchers on the issues of earth sciences.
Citing specific social interests, the second stage (2014-2017) will focus on natural resources and seismic risks.
GDRI is an ideal program to share information, to organize workshops and to facilitate researcher and student mobility. Simultaneously, with the support of the French Embassy to Georgia, it is possible to carry out research activities in frames of Marco Polo and Erasmus Mundus Programmes.
